Two coronavirus patients cured in Pingyao county

Two pneumonia patients suffering with the novel coronavirus from Pingyao county in Jinhong city in northern Shanxi province, were cured and discharged from hospital on Feb 4, according to the Jinzhong Infectious Disease Hospital.

The 26-year-old man and 46-year-old woman who worked all year round in Wuhan -- capital city of Hubei province and city hardest hit by the epidemic in China -- were confirmed infected on Jan 25. 

They received isolated treatment integrating traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, after they went back to hometown on Jan 20 and 22 respectively for the annual family reunion during the Chinese New Year. 

Officials said they were the third and fourth cured cases in Shanxi province following the first and second cases who left the hospital on Jan 29 and Feb 2. 

As of midnight on Feb 4, Shanxi province had confirmed 81 infections with seven added cases on Feb 4 alone, according to the Shanxi Health Commission. 

Except for the four cured people, 69 of the confirmed patients are in a stable health condition, while eight are in critical condition. Officials said there are 42 suspected infections in total. 

The commission said that 2,368 people who have had close contact with confirmed infected patients have been traced and 1,511 of them are now under medical observation.